This year’s Cullman County Sports Hall of Fame banquet is slated for Saturday, July 20 at Stone Bridge Farms.

The annual induction ceremony — scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. — will usher in the 24th class of the CCSHOF.

Inductees for 2024 include: Amanda Patrick (Cullman), Hilary Stiefelmeyer (Cullman), Robin Conn (Cullman), Dewayne Hill (Holly Pond), Ray Dyer (Hanceville), Perry Hicks (Hanceville), Joey Graves (Cold Springs), Donnie Rice (Cold Springs), Regina Bagwell Jones (West Point), Joseph Winford Smith (Fairview), Taft Dillashaw (Good Hope) and Todd Lindsey (Vinemont).

The Times will highlight each honoree prior to the banquet.

Let’s take a closer look at Robin Conn, Dewayne Hill and Joey Graves.

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Robin Conn (Cullman)

Cullman High School — Class of 1972

— Lettered in baseball and basketball

— Played independent baseball (1972-1973)

— Played softball for Southern Feed (1974-1979) | Won 65 straight league games | Won seven consecutive city championships | Made seven straight state tournaments

— Played independent league basketball (1971-1980) | Won three city championships

— Covered thousands of high school games, including playoffs and state championships

— Covered more than 400 college football games, including three national championship games and 20 SEC title games | Covered more than 250 college basketball games, including 15 SEC title games | Covered NCAA Division II hockey national championships, golf majors, MLB games, NBA games, NFL games and NASCAR, among many other leagues | Winner of more than 60 Alabama Press Association and Associated Press awards for sports photography

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Inductee Speak

“I was on my way to Nashville to cover the SEC Basketball Tournament when I found out. It was just an overwhelming, numbing feeling that’s hard to put into words. I am still so proud and honored.”

“After having an up-and down-season, making it to the regional finals after winning the area was pretty amazing. Traveling all over was also a big highlight — we actually won 65 games in a row in Cullman whenever we were in town. I have just so many memories. I’ve been lucky to play with so many great players and coaches who taught me it’s not always about winning. I can’t even try and list all the names, but there have been so many people who have had such a big impact on my life.”

“My love for sports has always been huge in my life and getting into photography has allowed me to keep that love for sports alive even now. Of course, I want to thank my family for the support they have given me. I am thankful for my wife, my two daughters and my mom; but my Dad was really the one I wish I could celebrate this achievement with. He is the one who started my love for baseball and sports, and I know he will be there with me in spirit.”

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Dewayne Hill (Holly Pond)

Holly Pond High School — Class of 1981

— Lettered in baseball, basketball and football

— All-County (baseball and basketball) | All-Area (basketball and football)

— Averaged 19.5 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals per game during senior season

— Helped Holly Pond win Class 2A, Area 12 title

— Played in Lion’s Club East-West All-Star Game (baseball)

— Signed a basketball scholarship to Wallace State

— Played super-major division slowpitch softball

— Coached youth football for six years

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Inductee Speak

“I’m surprised, but I’m also very honored. I’ve been keeping up with who’s been inducted over the years.”

“I moved here when I was 10 and I very quickly learned how big of a deal sports was in both Cullman County and the state of Alabama. I grew up loving sports, and I was very lucky to have some really good coaches at Holly Pond that convinced me to play. From all the rivalries in all three sports — Good Hope, Fairview and West Point — we battled those county schools for years and years.”

“I had a lot of great memories and a lot of great teammates. Nobody is anything by themselves, so I’m thankful for all the good teammates and coaches that I have had. I want to thank my family for the support. They are the ones who hauled me around all the tournaments making my dreams possible.”

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Joey Graves (Cold Springs)

Cold Springs High School — Class of 1974

— Lettered in baseball, basketball and football

— All-County (x2) | Cullman County Tournament MVP | Prep All-American (basketball)

— Contributed to four straight 20-win seasons | Area champions (1973-1974) | Region champions (1973)

— Longtime clock operator at Cold Springs | Passed away in 2020

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Inductee Speak

“Before my husband passed away, he would always say that he’d never get in. So when my son-in-law and daughter called me and told me, I just cried.” — Debra Graves

“I can’t remember much from back then … I just remembered how much he loved Cold Springs and playing ball. He knew ball, I didn’t. When I go watch my grandbabies now, I don’t know what’s going on. He was a really good man. He loved his school and loved his family so much.” — Debra Graves

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▶ The News Courier’s Justin Travis contributed to this report.